Florida Digital Learning Landscape
Florida Virtual School, a DLC State Affiliate, was instrumental in conducting the research for this profile.
| State virtual school? | YES |
| Multi-district fully online schools? | YES |
| Online learning requirement for graduation? | YES |
| State approval process for online providers? | YES |
| State approval process for online courses? | YES |
Florida was the first state in the country to legislate that all K–12 public school students have full- and part-time virtual options. Funding for virtual courses is based on successful course completion (grade “D” or higher or mastery of curriculum to move on to the next grade).
Florida has a state virtual school, many district programs, and several multi-district fully online schools. Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is the largest state virtual school in the country, offering full-time (FLVS FT) and part-time options (FLVS FLEX) for students. FLVS FT served 11,988 students in SY 2021-22, and the FLVS Flex program (supplemental courses) served 221,446 students with 574,782 course completions through June 15 of the 2021-22 SY.
FLVS’ elementary online program grew to 17,673 students and 91,628 course completions through June 15 of the 2021-22 SY from 10,713 students with 46,738 completions in SY 2019-20.
In addition, many school districts in Florida contract with FLVS to offer District Franchises of FLVS. Districts utilize FLVS curriculum, technology infrastructure, and training while using their own teachers. The franchises reported 293,349 half-credit course completions through June 15 of the 2021-22 SY. Although districts may use their franchises to meet Florida Virtual Instruction Program (VIP) requirements, the franchises also serve home education and private students. Two regional consortia (the Panhandle Area Educational Consortium and the North East Florida Educational Consortium) representing 30 districts, operated FLVS franchises in SY 2021-22.
Florida had full-time enrollment of nearly 65,000 students during the 2021-22 SY through various programs and providers. The Virtual Instruction Program (VIP), requires all Florida school districts to offer part- and full-time virtual instruction programs for students in grades K–12. School districts are required to offer one to three virtual options (based on the district’s size). School districts may contract with a Florida Department of Education approved provider or may run a District VIP utilizing district teachers and whatever curriculum they choose. Many smaller districts share resources and enter into contracts with regional education consortia to provide their required virtual option. There were 42,551 students enrolled in school district full-time VIP programs in addition to the 11,988 full-time students enrolled at FLVS. Students can cross district lines to enroll in VIP programs from other districts regardless of whether it is offered in their district. Districts may use their FLVS franchise to meet VIP requirements and/or enter into an agreement with a virtual charter school.
Virtual charter schools give students additional full-time options. Virtual charter schools are required to contract with a DOE-approved virtual instruction program provider to operate the school. Florida had virtual charter schools enrolled 10,290 in SY 2021-22. There are eleven virtual charters operating for the 2022-23 SY.
Districts may also offer online courses for grades K–12 outside of their VIP and district franchises. Since SY 2013–14, students have been able to cross district lines to take online courses from other districts regardless of whether the course is offered in their district.
District hybrid schools and programs include Parrish Community High School, Walden Community School, Rock Academy, Wellmont Academy, The First Academy, Champion Preparatory Academy, Central Florida Christian Academy, Pivot Charter School and others. FLVS Virtual Learning Labs provide blended learning options in most districts where students can take an online FLVS class in their local school with access to a local teacher.
The Florida Department of Education (DOE) provides technical assistance and support related to state policy and legislation for district and state virtual education options. Specifically, it is responsible for various areas of oversight and/or support services, including:
Development and management of the approval process of Virtual Instruction Program (VIP) providers for district programs and virtual charter schools.
Development of the Florida Approved Courses and Tests (FACT) initiative and a new approval process for online course providers to expand student choice and online course options. Approved Course Providers
Management of the Florida Online Course Catalog to support virtual instruction. The catalog includes courses offered by district virtual schools, FLVS, and providers approved by the DOE. The catalog provides a full official course description as well as a description of unique course features by the district or provider, and a method for students to provide evaluative feedback.
For details of online learning funding in this state see the DLC's report A Review of Online Learning Funding.
State Policies
Rule 6A-6.0981, Provider Approval and Renewal for Virtual Instruction Program, requires each school district to provide students the option to participate in a virtual instruction program. Effective September 2022, Rule 6A-6.0981, was updated to reflect changes in the provider approval process, incorporate Model Virtual Instruction Program Contract (Form VIP-C) and Virtual Instruction Financial Statement (Form VIP-FS) into rule, and revise applicant’s assurance of submitting audit report to the State Board of Education and the Auditor General. The applications are also updated to reflect new Florida B.E.S.T. Standards.